Page 51 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

"You ask questions like a prosecutor."

I smile.

"Now you know how it feels."

His eyes find mine.

"Vegetable police."

I blink. Then laugh.

"I asked three questions."

"Felt like more."

"You were evasive."

"You were suspicious."

"Of the squash."

"Dangerous stuff."

Emma looks between us.

"Should I come back?"

"No," we say together.

Silence. Emma's mouth twitches. I look at Atlas. Javier looks anywhere but at me. Wonderful.

Emma finishes checking his back leg, then straightens.

"He looks good. Keep an eye on the stiffness. If it gets worse, call me."

"I will."

"I mean it."

"So do I."

She pats Atlas. He returns immediately to Javier's side. I watch Javier's hand settle briefly against the dog's neck. There is something instinctive about the movement. Quiet. Familiar. I remember what Emma told me on the drive in. His service dog. I have questions. But those aren't mine to ask. Not yet.

Emma checks her phone.

"I need to look at Daisy's records before I leave. Maddy, you can come with me, or..."

Her gaze shifts to Javier. Too casually.

"...Javier can show you around."

I look at her. She does not look back. Traitor.

Javier glances at me.

"You wanted to see the farm."

"I did."